Job Description

Academic
Job Category
Faculty Non Bargaining
Job Title
Research Associate
Department
Research | Leslie | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of Science (Sabrina Leslie)
Posting End Date
August 10, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date
Aug 31, 2026
The expected pay range for this position is $72,000-$80,000 per year.
Research Associate in Single-Molecule Biophysics
The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, invites applications for a Research Associate position specializing in single-molecule biophysics, under the supervision of Dr. Sabrina Leslie. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team advancing the understanding and application of LNP technologies for RNA delivery. The Leslie Lab at UBC (https://leslielab.msl.ubc.ca/) is pioneering single-molecule and single-nanoparticle imaging techniques using custom optical microscopy setups, resulting in new insights for drug developers to better design and optimize nanomedicines.
About the position: The Research Associate will lead experimental efforts to quantitatively characterize LNP structure, composition, and RNA delivery performance at the single-particle level. Leveraging advanced imaging workflows, including single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and high-throughput particle assays, the Research Associate will generate high-dimensional datasets necessary to further optimize LNP formulations.
Key responsibilities:Develop and apply single-particle imaging approaches to characterize the structural and functional properties of LNPs. Operate and optimize advanced fluorescence microscopy platforms (e.g., single-molecule fluorescence, confocal, super-resolution). Design custom image analysis workflows to extract particle-level metrics such as size, shape, RNA encapsulation, and delivery efficiency. Work collaboratively with chemists, biophysicists, and LNP formulation scientists at UBC and with external partners. Mentor and supervise trainees (graduate students, undergraduate researchers). Disseminate findings through lab meetings, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. Assist in writing research grant proposals and progress reports.

Candidate: We are hiring a biophysicist with a background in single-molecule/ single-particle imaging, lipid nanoparticle characterization, and laser optics setup for microscopy systems. Candidates must have:Ph.D. in Physics, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Nanomedicine, or a closely related field. Minimum of 2-3 years of postdoctoral experience in advanced fluorescence microscopy, single-molecule imaging, or nanoparticle characterization. Demonstrated expertise in quantitative fluorescence imaging and single-particle analysis. Proficiency in computational tools for image analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python) and statistical data analysis. Strong background in lipid nanoparticle systems and RNA delivery technologies is highly desirable. Experience in developing novel imaging assays and analyzing multi-parametric datasets. Proven record of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications. Excellent interpersonal, mentorship, and communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic and multidisciplinary research environment.

Opportunity: This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of nanomedicine and single-particle biophysics in a highly interdisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art microscopy facilities and a vibrant scientific community within the Michael Smith Laboratories and broader UBC research ecosystem.
The Research Associate will play a key role in developing next-generation imaging technologies for nanoparticle characterization, gaining valuable experience in advanced single-molecule techniques and RNA therapeutics research. This role offers excellent opportunities for scientific leadership, publishing high-impact papers, and contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations with academic and industry partners, setting a strong foundation for future career advancement in academia, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical sectors.
The expected pay range for this position is $72,000-$80,000 per year.

Application Process: We encourage interested applicants to submit a CV and cover letter that details their experience and contact details for 3 references to the UBC Careers portal. Application materials should be submitted no later than the posting end date.

The appointment is full-time at 1.0 FTE and will be for one year commencing September 01, 2025 with a possibility for extension, subject to satisfactory performance and funding.Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.